A Fresh Cote

Bentley Generals Head Coach
Brandin Cote

Coming off of a season in which they failed to make the Allan Cup for the first time since 2006, the Bentley Generals knew that the time for change had finally come.

After winning the cup in 2009, the Gens did an admirable job of scrapping their way back to the final tournament twice more only to come up just short. 

"We had to make some changes," team manager Jeff McInnis said on Wednesday.  "We were stagnant and we knew that.  We've learned a lot of lessons over the years. We watched other teams who are stagnant and you're saying 'gee, why don't they make changes?' But then you realize how hard it is to make changes when you're dealing with players who become your friends.  But you have to kind of separate that."

Letting go of a former NHL coach of the year definitely counts as change.  But in the minds of Bentley Generals management (McInnis and Team President Wes Gyori) it was the right thing to do.

The Eagles Have Landed Sutter

The 65th season of Innisfail Eagles hockey has taken flight, quickly.

The Chinook Hockey League team confirmed today that Brian Sutter is their new Head Coach, bringing along longtime assistants Brian Stephenson and Jason Lenz and other support staff with him.

Brian spent five of the past six seasons coaching the Bentley Generals.  He guided them to four Allan Cup appearances including their championship win in 2009.

Sutter Era Over In Bentley

As it turns out... Brent isn't the only Sutter who won't be coaching the same club next season.

The Bentley Generals have parted ways with Brian Sutter.